Walk in the Light

January 8, 2025

January 8th, 2025
Wednesday – History

Reading – Joshua 4-6

Highlight Verses:

“We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.””
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Three things stood out to me as I read about this stone memorial.
- It took effort. Those stones were heavy, and they had to haul the from the middle of the riverbed.
- It was lasting. Those stones were there for generations. Their significance went far beyond the lives of those who carried them.
- It was public. Their presence was seen by all.
- The most impactful events in our lives are those that we put a lot of effort into. The more effort, the more influence on our lives and our memories we’ll see.
- Our efforts in the right circumstances can long outlive us, especially if we make efforts to preserve their memories.
- For the greatest impact, at least some of the major events in our lives should be lived in full view of all.
I think the major events in our lives should carry the same characteristics.

Have you been impacted by the major events in your or other people lives?
Can you share an example of that kind of impact from yours or others lives?
January 7, 2024

January 7th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 1

Highlight Verse:

“Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I love the beauty of nature.

Sunsets on the Oregon Coast, the breathtaking sight of the color and vastness of the Grand Canyon, the colorful dance of a butterfly, the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, and the power of a thunderstorm all inspire my awe for the Creator God.

And that’s just a tiny fraction of creation.

When you think about the incredible science that went into making even the simplest animals it becomes obvious there was an intelligent designer at work.

Then you ramp that up to the human body and mind and you find that intelligence is beyond any human comprehension.

The Genesis account of creation only confirms to me the obvious existence of a Creator.

And that is very good.

Do you believe the creation story?
What is it that first made you believe there was a Creator?
January 6, 2025

January 6th, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 1

Highlight Verse:

“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One of the basics of theology is the concept of the Trinity. That is – one God in three parts, the Father, the Son – Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

John introduces us to the Trinity right off the bat.

The “Word” is Jesus (see verse 14).

John makes it clear in the first couple verses that, not only was Jesus God’s Son, but he was also God and integral in creation.

In verse 32, John introduces the Holy Spirit.

John makes it clear that all three exist both integral to each other and distinct from each other.

It may be difficult to comprehend. John doesn’t explain it further.

But as you read through the rest of the New Testament, the concept becomes clearer.

How easy or difficult is it for you to understand the concept of the Trinity?
Does it help you to realize that Jesus, who loved you enough to die for you, helped create the whole universe?
January 5, 2025

January 5th, 2025

Sunday – Poetry

Reading – Psalms 1-3

Highlight Verse:

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Whenever I read Psalms like these, I get a picture in my head of young David sitting down in a field with his sheep with a pencil and a pad of paper.

Yes, I know it’s a silly image since we don’t know that David penned this Psalm, nor did he have a pencil or paper.

But the beautiful poetic imagery of what constantly thinking about God’s Word can do for us brings that image to my mind.

So, what did they do without paper to write down the Psalms?

They did get written down by scribes eventually. Until then, they had another method.

A psalm is not just a poem; it is a song.

There are verses that I memorized 50 years ago and never forgot, because they were put to music.

We sang them in Sunday School and in worship. Some of the songs we sing today are Scriptures set to music.

It helped the writers of the Psalms remember al the words.

And it helps us remember the Word of God.

Do you remember any Scriptures as songs?
Have you ever tried to put verses to music so you could remember it better?
Did it work? (It did for me)
January 4, 2025

January 4th, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Proverbs 27:1-19

Highlight Verse:

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

On the 1st, when I said that I hoped to finish the edit on my book, I didn’t realize how close I was. I’m now ready to send it back to the editor.

But first, I decided to seek the advice of friends.

I posted a call for beta readers on both my personal and professional Facebook pages.

I got a handful of likes on my professional page. No offers of help.

On my personal page, I got several friends who wanted to be beta readers.

They are getting a copy of the book in exchange for their advice.

I know that I could publish it as it is right now, but I want it to be the best it can be.

My friends will help make that happen with their advice.

The same is true for the rest of my life.

Faithful friends lift each other up, encouraging them to be the best they can be. They also warn them when they are heading down the wrong path.

Do you have faithful friends around you?
Are you a faithful friend to others? (Like some of you are to me).
January 3, 2025

January 3rd, 2025

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 1-3

Highlight Verse:

“Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And that’s what God thinks of empty religion.

If your faith is an insurance policy paid for with pious acts of worship, singing on Sunday morning, paying your tithes, listening to the right music, not swearing, maybe even watching the babies at church once a month, then it is worthless.

But if your faith is visible through acts of love and charity (see verse 17) rooted in your love for God and trust in His leading, you have a true faith.

You may do all those religious things above, but you know that they are not your insurance policy.

If you have that true faith, you don’t need an insurance policy; you already have eternal life.

Out of the abundance of that life come all the good deeds, obedience, and yes, even meaningful religious acts.

Are you just religious, or alive in your faith?
When and how did you realize that faith ran far deeper than religion?
January 2, 2025

January 2nd, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Romans 1

Highlight Verse:

“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s easy to get sucked into the idea that we need to change churches because we aren’t getting “fed” there.

While there may be some validity there, before we leap to that conclusion,

we may want to ask ourselves if we are feeding others there.

Even Paul, who, more than anyone else besides the Holy Spirit, was responsible for the Gospel reaching to the ends of the Roman Empire, sought encouragement from those who were reached by his message.

So, yes, it is important to be at a church where you can grow spiritually.

It is just as important that you be active in that church so that you can encourage spiritual growth in other people.

Sometimes that’s as simple as opening a door and greeting people.

Sometimes it involves teaching or mentoring.

Even the great Paul the Apostle recognized that the work of God is carried out by everyone in the Church.

We’ll discover many of the ways to do that in his letters.

In what ways do you encourage others in the Faith?
How have others encouraged you?
New Year’s Day, 2025

January 1st, 2025
Wednesday – History

Reading – Joshua 1-3

Highlight Verse:

““Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.”
‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s not yet midnight as I write this though we’ve already watched the Ball Drop at Times Square.

There were a million people there ringing in a new year with new beginnings.

That’s what Joshua and the Israelites were doing in today’s reading.

They were on the edge of the Promised Land with great hope for a land they could call home.

Each new year brings a taste of that.

It’s a natural break from the past with promises of new things.

I enter the new year with hopes.
- Hopes that I will lose weight.
- Hopes that I will finish the edit on my book.
- Hopes that the book will get published.
- Hopes that I will be able to visit family that I haven’t seen in a while.
- And many more.
I leave you with God’s command to Joshua to strengthen him as he led the people into their new life:

Be strong and courageous.

What are your hopes for the new year?
What does being strong and courageous mean to you?
New Year’s Eve, 2024

December 31st, 2024
Introduction to Walk in the Light Bible Study, 2025-26

Reading – 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Highlight Verse:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I was on Times Square on this day in 1992/93.

At three in the afternoon.

There’s no way I wanted to be in the middle of a million people to ring in the new year.

I did spend midnight with a few good friends as we encouraged each other into new beginnings.

That’s kind of what this Bible Study is about.

We are a group of people who encourage each other as we seek to get to know God and His Word better.

If you are new here, let me give you a little primer:

We are on a two-year journey through the Bible.

That journey is split up into different sections for each day of the week as follows:
- Sunday – Old Testament Poetry Books.
- Monday – Gospels through Acts.
- Tuesday – Pentateuch (1st five books of the Bible).
- Wednesday – Old Testament History Books.
- Thursday – New Testament Letters through Revelations.
- Friday – Old Testament Prophets.
- Saturday – Open Topic – Scriptures and devotions relevant to the current season or events.
The readings and devotions are posted by 12:05am Mountain Time each day at the Walk in the Light Bible Study Group on Facebook and at WITLBible.com.
Comments and discussions are welcome and encouraged on the Facebook page. (Please follow rules in the “about” section).

Two month reading lists and study guides as well as bookmarks are available to download on the website.

This Bible Study is not affiliated with any one local church. While the majority of the members are from Colorado (where I live), there are members and website followers from around the globe.

The devotions are written from a Bible believing Christian perspective, but we welcome members from all faiths, as long as participation is respectful. The rules apply equally to all participants.

If you have any questions or you would like to write some of the devotions, feel free to message me on Facebook.

May your New Year be overflowing with blessings and growth!
- Richard
December 30, 2024

December 30th, 2024

Reading – Deuteronomy 33-34

Highlight Verse:

“There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭34‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Moses had an incredibly close relationship with the Lord.

The people of Israel knew God through Moses and the priests.

Now we are offered that same closeness through the sacrifice of Jesus. We don’t have to wait until heaven to experience that relationship.

Instead of going through priests, we can approach God through our prayers and hear from Him through His Word and His Holy Spirit.

How close is your relationship with God?
Are you ready to get even closer in 2025?

That is the end of the Pentateuch and the end of our two-year reading plan.

Congratulations to those who have been with us since January of 2023.

We start again on January 1.

If you are wondering why we have no regular reading tomorrow, it is because 2024 is a leap year with one extra day (and I didn’t anticipate that when I divided up the daily readings).

I will still have a short scripture reading tomorrow along with a detailed description of the plan for all newcomers.

I may mix things up a little with the way I present the daily devotions so stay tuned!

Three things stood out to me as I read about this stone memorial.

I think the major events in our lives should carry the same characteristics.

I love the beauty of nature.

And that’s just a tiny fraction of creation.

Then you ramp that up to the human body and mind and you find that intelligence is beyond any human comprehension.

And that is very good.

John introduces us to the Trinity right off the bat.

It may be difficult to comprehend. John doesn’t explain it further.

But as you read through the rest of the New Testament, the concept becomes clearer.

Whenever I read Psalms like these, I get a picture in my head of young David sitting down in a field with his sheep with a pencil and a pad of paper.

So, what did they do without paper to write down the Psalms?

There are verses that I memorized 50 years ago and never forgot, because they were put to music.

And it helps us remember the Word of God.

But first, I decided to seek the advice of friends.

My friends will help make that happen with their advice.

Faithful friends lift each other up, encouraging them to be the best they can be. They also warn them when they are heading down the wrong path.

And that’s what God thinks of empty religion.

But if your faith is visible through acts of love and charity (see verse 17) rooted in your love for God and trust in His leading, you have a true faith.

If you have that true faith, you don’t need an insurance policy; you already have eternal life.

we may want to ask ourselves if we are feeding others there.

It is just as important that you be active in that church so that you can encourage spiritual growth in other people.

They were on the edge of the Promised Land with great hope for a land they could call home.

I enter the new year with hopes.

Be strong and courageous.

I was on Times Square on this day in 1992/93.

I did spend midnight with a few good friends as we encouraged each other into new beginnings.

We are a group of people who encourage each other as we seek to get to know God and His Word better.

If you are new here, let me give you a little primer:

May your New Year be overflowing with blessings and growth!

Moses had an incredibly close relationship with the Lord.

Instead of going through priests, we can approach God through our prayers and hear from Him through His Word and His Holy Spirit.